August 10, 2006

Ned wins. I predicted it back in November of last year. I also predicted that DeStefano would nab the gubernatorial nod way back in March of '04. See, my reasoning was quite astute, given my expertise in all things political. The polarity of conservative voters and activists that ascribe to the confluence of primary power politics, particularly the liberal bloggers and wonkish fact-finding ...

I'm kidding, of course. Did I sound like George F. Will for just a moment?

I didn't predict anything. Nothing. Nada. I can't predict what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow. I'm pretty good at predicting the weather, better than most weathermen, but politics? Not my bag.

People I know are asking me if Joe Lieberman can win, if he can beat the party guys as an independent. I have no idea, and you know what? I don't care.

See, the thing is, I hate politics. I'm not one of those people who are in the commentary biz because they desperately want to be in politics but lack the patience or skills or telegenic good looks like Mitt Romney. I'm in it because I hate politics. I hate politics because I'm not good at it.

I was the president of my condominium association for one year and wound up being physically attacked at a condo meeting. I take full responsibility. It was something undiplomatic I said.

The reason I hate party politics in particular is that it doesn't make any difference who's in power. We, the middle class, get screwed. We pay for the hard luck of the poor and the sins of the rich.

Sure, there are politicians who are exceptions. There are hard-working, honest, decent, public servants out there. There's ... no, he's dead. There's that guy ... well, he's too new to tell if he'll work out. Oh, wait, there's that woman who ... right. She's not running for re-election.

OK, I know they're out there. They must be. Otherwise, the country would be in a real mess.

So, why do you stay in the business? one might ask. Because I'm an eternal optimist. I believe eventually, a man or a woman will arise from the turgid swamp water of Washington and unite us and the world against terrorism, oppression and evil, and I'm not talking about the second coming of Jesus Christ.

I'm talking about when our backs are against the wall, when we are desperate enough, we will give up the Puritan nonsense and elect leaders who will actually lead us, regardless of whether they smoked marijuana or are faithful to their spouse.

It happened with Roosevelt, Lincoln and Washington, to name three. See how rare our predicament has to be to get first-rate leaders? We're not there yet. Until that time we will suffer with the likes of W. Bush, Herbert Hoover, Andrew Johnson and Millard Fillmore.

We are privileged to be living in an extraordinarily pivotal era. I just hope I live long enough to witness a great world leader emerge. Then I can retire in peace. I plan to be working a long, long time.

1 Comments

I enjoyed this blog -- though your first paragraph reminded me more of Mark Twain than George Will. I absolutely hope that one day, some great leader will emerge. And.. I agree that what our 'great' leader does in his personal life - is personal business, whether smoking marijuana or practicing marital fidelity. On the other hand -- those 'stress relievers' would likely get me fired if I enjoyed them in my office. An elected leader should be held to the same standard.